Do you love beer? It’s one of the oldest and most loved beverages in the world. Everyone has their favorite brew, a light lager or a complex craft beer. But what about those willing to pay through the nose for an extra unique experience?
Well, if money is no object, you’ll want to check out this list of the top 10 most expensive beers in the world! From Japanese rice wine beer to Madagascan sorghum ale brewed with honey, we’re sure you’ll find something worth raising your glass to!
So crack open your wallet, and let’s dive into these outrageously priced hops-filled drinks.
Top 10 Most Expensive Beers In The World
1. Tutankhamun Ale by UK’s The Knot Brewery
Tutankhamun Ale, created by UK’s The Knot Brewery, tops off the list of expensive beers with a hefty $75 price tag. Rumored to be inspired by a centuries-old recipe found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen, this beer is an Herbed ale brewed with amaranth grains and honey for a sweet yet spicy flavor.
2. Scotland’s Sink the Bismarck
Next is Scotland’s Sink the Bismarck – a quadruple IPA clocking in at an eye-watering 41% ABV. This brew has a staggering $107 price tag and is made from four varieties of hops: Valkyrie, Veridian, Topaz, and Nelson Sauvin. The intense hop character of this beer has earned it a cult following among beer enthusiasts.
3. Samuel Adams’ Utopias
Samuel Adams’ Utopias takes third place on the most expensive beer list at $200 per bottle. Since 2002 Brewed biennially, unique beer is made with caramel and Vienna malts and fermented in select casks. It has dark fruit, molasses, and vanilla notes, which combine to create a fantastic taste experience that can only be described as “liquid bliss.”
4. Schorschbräu’s Schorschbock 57
Schorschbräu’s Schorschbock 57 is the world’s strongest doppelbock at 57% ABV and coming in at $417 per bottle. With subtle notes of chocolate, coconut, cherries, and raisins, this beer was the first commercially available Eisbock.
It is brewed using a process similar to ice wine, where some water content is frozen during production to increase sweetness without increasing alcohol content.
5. De Cam & 3 Fonteinen Millennium Geuze 1998
Number five on our list is De Cam & 3 Fonteinen Millennium Geuze 1998 – an intensely flavorful blend of lambic ales aged for two years in oak barrels for a one-of-a-kind tart yet fruity taste experience. This rare ale will set you back $616 per bottle but trust us – it’s well worth it!
6. Carlsberg’s Jacobsen
Carlsberg’s Jacobsen Vintage Beer comes next on our list at $533 per bottle. It was first released in 2008 to commemorate Carlsberg Founder J C Jacobsen’s 200th birthday anniversary! This highly sought-after vintage brew features subtle hints of citrus fruit and spice balanced by malty sweetness for a delightful drinking experience.
7. BrewDog’s The End Of History
We have BrewDog’s The End Of History comes in seventh place, and it costs around $1,159 per bottle! It is made of juniper berries, nettles, and meadowsweet infused with Scottish highland mixers; makeup is one of the strongest craft beers available today, with an ABV clocking in at 55%. But don’t let the strength fool you – this beer also boasts intensely flavorful notes of peach compote and apricot jam, making it surprisingly smooth despite its potency.
8. Cantillon Loerik 1998
Cantillon Loerik 1998 takes the eighth spot on our list. This limited special edition Belgian Lambic derives its flavor from wild yeast fermentation giving it earthy hints of leather with undertones of sweet cherries and raspberries, making this one truly unique beer experience costing just over $1,722 per bottle!
9. Nail Brewing Antarctic Nail Ale
Nail Brewing Antarctic Nail Ale comes ninth – made from melted Antarctic ice transported from Australia to Britain and then back again using only sustainable shipping methods makes this brew stand out! Its deep smoky flavor and hints of caramel make it visibly clear why people are willing to spend upwards of $1,815 for each 500ml bottle!
10. Arctic Ale By The Allsopp
Finally, we come to Arctic Ale By The Allsopp – crafted from thousands upon thousands of years old ingredients! Discovered within Greenland’s permafrost layers, archaeologists harvested ancient yeast strains allowing them to recreate millennia-old hybrid barley through various “Frankenstein” techniques.
It resulted in what stands before us today: A one-of-a-kind drinkable relic costing an incredible 503,300 dollars per 500ml bottle!
What Ingredients Does Expensive Beer Have?
The most expensive beer worldwide is typically made with various high-quality, rare, and often exotic ingredients, contributing to its exorbitant price. The specific ingredients used can vary depending on the brewer’s recipe and location, but here are some of the components commonly found in the most expensive beers in the world:
- Rare Hops
Hops are a key ingredient in beer, providing bitterness and flavor. The most expensive beers in the world use rare and hard-to-find hops, such as the New Zealand-grown Nelson Sauvin or the American-grown Citra.
- Unusual Grains
While barley is the most common grain used in beer, some of the most expensive beers in the world incorporate more unusual grains, such as quinoa, spelled, or even exotic grains like Thai black rice.
Check out Grains Used In Beer.
- Fruits
Some expensive beers incorporate fruits like cherries, raspberries, or peaches to add flavor and complexity to the brew. Some rare or exotic fruits, like durian or mangosteen, may also be used in high-end beers.
- Yeast
Yeast plays a critical role in brewing, and some expensive beers use rare strains of yeast that are difficult to obtain or cultivate.
- Barrel Aging
Some high-end beers are aged in rare or expensive barrels, such as bourbon or cognac barrels, which can impart unique flavors to the brew.
- Edible Gold Or Silver Leaf
Some of the most expensive beers in the world incorporate edible gold or silver leaf as a decorative element, which contributes to the beer’s high price tag but doesn’t necessarily affect the taste.
Overall, the most expensive beers in the world are typically crafted with a focus on quality and unique ingredients rather than mass appeal or affordability.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about the top 10 most expensive beers in the world, what will you do with this knowledge? Will you be on the lookout for rare and unique bottles to stock in your cellar? You can also look for the most expensive countries to have a beer in!
Or you’ll use this information to inspire your next dinner party, pairing each beer with a complimentary dish. No matter how you choose to incorporate these luxurious libations into your life, simply knowing that they exist can add an element of excitement and intrigue to your future beverage choices.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
